2011 Green Hero of Petaling Jaya Award Presentation

What are you going to do if you are unable to persuade others to go green after few attempts? Many will give up and forget about doing so. Some will continue by diverting their attention to other groups or area of service. This is not the case for Mr Ismail Latiff, the recipient for merit mention of the inaugural 2011 Petaling Jaya Green Figure Award. He was awarded for his continue, tireless effort and persistence in getting others to go green. Presently, the physically constraint flat area of which he stay is turned into an urban orchard planted with many fruit trees, herbs garden and ornamental flowers. Apart from that, the recycling activity of collecting old newspaper has become an enterprise that producing natural crafts. Another recipient, Assistant Professor Jeffrey Phang has overcome many obstacles in getting people from different walks of life, agenda and priorities working together in demanding the once in danger of forest with human encroachment to be gazetted again. This process of convincing, consulting, engaging stakeholders is not an easy task. It needs long term strategic planning, continue efforts and result-oriented approach in sustaining people's interest and involvement.

The Award, part of MBPJ's initiative in creating a low carbon green city of Petaling Jaya is an effort of recognising individuals that have been contributing actively and constructively towards the sustainability of Petaling Jaya. By acknowledging the efforts done by individual, it becomes a platform for recognition as well as sharing of best practices and idea exchange.

Good Parking Management

I was impressed with the car parking system in SSM Tower at KL Sentral. During my last visit there, I noticed that all parking lots closer to the entrance are reserved for the visitors. To me, this shows how sensitive and caring of the management towards good customer service. It is not only purely customer oriented, but environmental friendly as well.

Most, if not all the parking complexes I visited previously have reserved the parking lots closer to entrance for the season parking or designated for the office use or senior officers. It leaves the visitors no choice, but to look for parking space further inside the complex, some time few level down into the basement. This is not only a troublesome experience, but also a waste of resources and pollution generating gesture. By asking people to drive two or three levels down means more fuel consumed, and hence more time wasting and more CO2. Why can't we request the designated parking to be placed in places that wou;d not inconvenient the visitors? After all, the season parking holders or senior officers will be there from the starting of working hour until afternoon without removing their cars very often.

Kudos to the corporates for this small gesture, but a meaningful and thoughtful one.

Environmental Stewardship

The Panel of Evaluators for the Petaling Jaya House Owners' Assessment Rate Rebate Scheme has a discussion on last Thursday. The meeting was to brainstorm and creating understanding as well as consensus on assessing the application for rebate. The Rebate scheme is the first of kind in Malaysia that offered by local authorities to encourage and promote go green initiatives by the house owners. While it is acknowledged that house owners will normally not go for green if it involves cost and time without any significant return on economy, some submissions has shown otherwise. There are submissions on collecting urine for gardening purpose, going round the market to source fruit skin for enzyme making, beautifying the public land on the road shoulder, sending recyclable items to recycling centre for free and etc. These are gestures warrant for recognition, and rightly so highlighted for emulation by others.

The meeting discussed doing the right thing with wrong approach or time too. For example, planting trees or vegetables on road shoulder opposite the house that depriving accessibility and more so without consent from the local authority. Similarly, installing the solar water heater to save on energy but end up with higher consumption because of fixing more air-con units. The meeting agreed that while what have been done by the owners should be encouraged, the negative things carried out should also be discouraged by introducing some form of penalty.

To be regarded as green warrior, one's has to pose with the necessary equipment, supported by a good system and making the effectiveness and efficiency as top priority. It is of no use if the equipment has been installed but lacking of support and do not show the desired result. For example, a rain water harvesting system in place does not necessary mean it is good if you did not do piping to channel the collected water for good use. Even if this done so, it is not effective if the tank did not hold up the water.

National Recycling Day 2011

National Recycling Day on 11th November is a Day many would like to not remember or celebrate. For Agencies that do not have the strategic recycling action plan or even the 3 colour bins within their compound, it is nothing to shout about. For residents who produce the same amount of rubbish everyday although they might have started collecting the old newspaper for sale, it is nothing so glad. For waste collectors, if the working of collection is getting more complicated and difficult, it simply means waste has not reducing. So, when we pose the questions to these stakeholders, I believe many would prefer to forget the Day with ease.

Having said this, shall we not celebrate the Day? Of course not. Continue efforts on promoting the awareness of 3R is a long term battle. People need to be constantly reminded about the importance of 3R and its' way forward. If voluntarism measurement is not working effectively, then perhaps economic and legal instruments should be applied indeed. So this is the Day of telling others what they should do for the next 364 days before the arrival of next celebration.

It should be a Day to recognise those who have done good on the ground, the unsung heroes. The initiatives of these people should be highlighted and be given proper recognition as a way to spur others to follow suit. More than often, we forget about them whenever there is a celebration or if they got invited, they will usually marginalise during the whole duration of functions. Then, we have to ask ourselves who should we celebrate for? Not the unsung recycling heroes?

Happy celebrate National Recycling Day and make it everyday is a recycling day.

Green Economy

I attended an industrial seminar on green economy yesterday. Every speaker spoke about the importance of green and low carbon development for sustainability and to stimulate the process, providing economic incentives apart from the voluntarism and legislation requirement is crucial. While providing monetary gain is welcome, looking into the green economy as business opportunity is not entirely right approach as the solution for the environmental challenges we are facing today. For example, having more hybrid car as replacement for the fuel-driven vehicle is good for the environment, it does not necessary mean the traffic congestion will disappear as volume of cars will remain the same. Similarly, fixing the solar heater does not correlate with the reduction of energy consumption if one has installed more air-con units in the house. In other words, applying technology and system without changing the mind set and behaviour of the people will not become a final solution to the green issues.

Another speaker equated that activities good for the environment are always good for the business. This, I certainly agree if we are talking about public good and for environment in wider scope. However, the problem we are facing today is many of the businesses only concerned about their balance sheet and profit for their shareholders rather than taking into consideration the public cost as part of the production cost of their services or products. For example, consuming more water to produce paper is alright as long as the profit margin is maintained. On the other hand, some businesses are depending on solving environmental issues or daily polluted routine for survival and if no such problem exists, then that businesses will be out of business. For example, waste contractors will hope for more rubbish for collection and will be out of business if a successful 3R program was in place in a community. Similarly, it is illogical to request a beverage company to promote drinking less or ask a petrol company to promote less travelling. Having said this, although companies that have done so is not definitely a green company, but at least with green in heart. These companies should have developed and embraced green initiative in their existing business operation or have developed new green business model.

Green business means embracing green into existing business or developing new business model with green elements. For existing businesses, going for green can be cost saving and "face" saving as more stakeholders are looking for companies with green to associate with. For example, a packaging company finds ways to reduce the need for using more papers will definitely get the admiration from others. Similarly, applying ICT system effectively to cut down business transaction with physical interface and paper correspondence as well as data storage with large storeroom will be the way forward. With the changing of time and emerging of global environmental issues, new business opportunities occur. For example, turning waste into wealth, treating waste as resources, using renewable energy, reducing the use of non-renewable resources, refurbishment of old goods for new use, 3R of old goods, cost cutting and efficiency are fields that presenting new business opportunities. These have nurtured companies in making nature crafts from used paper, composting waste into fertiliser, collecting rain water for sanitary use, converting waste water into new water, manufacturing chiller for air con and hot water mushrooming in the market.

While ultimately we are looking for green solution, doing it now without talking about economic factor is unrealistic. Without the businesses involvement and monetary return for doing good deed is always the slowest option for success, unless it is life threatening, I presume.

World Town Planning Day 2011

We will blame the planners of unplanned action whenever we stuck in the traffic jam. We will refer to the negligence of planners if a slope erosion happened resulting in the fall of high-rise buildings. We will tell others if the disabled people cannot move around freely due to physical obstruction. Even the littering rampant on the road is attributed to lack of rubbish bins in the strategic area, a planning negligence by the planners. All urban issues and problems are associated to the planners, does not matter whether it is due to lack of foresight, design fault or lack of maintenance or simply because of the users' negligence. Planners become the easier target for any wrong doings affecting to the quality of living environment. Many have discarded the role played by other stakeholders in the development process. These include the land owners who would like to maximize the profit, architect looking at the aesthetic value of building and efficiency of the building, local planning authorities, the agency to process and to decide the application, builders who are supposed to construct as planned but some time choose not to do so, users who suppose to make good use of the facilities and to care for their living environment, the service providers to maintain the environment in liveable condition. Ultimately, it is a collective effort in making the planned settlement into a liveable and sustainable place within the carrying capacity of our Earth.

Hence, celebration of the World Town Planning Day on 8th November everyyear is not exclusively by and for the planners. It is a Day to be recognised for good planning and to refresh on bad planning. It is a Day to share, learn and relearn on making our living environment a liveable and sustainable one.

To celebrate the Day with all stakeholders, OSC Unit of MBPJ is having the tea break retreat for all walked in customers. Please join us for the joyful day.

Happy World Town Planning Day.

Art of Demanding

Demanding can bring in 2 extreme results, namely rejection out right or partial approval. It is a matter of how to demand. If you have demanded something with the right channel and right person at the right time and right place, then the chances of getting what you want is pretty good. However, if you have done the same thing during inappropriate time, venue and channel, then the chances of rejection is very high and the chances for reconsidering is very slim. Nevertheless, if you are somebody that the approving authority has difficulty to say NO and more than obliged to concur with you, then it is all right to demand at any time and place.

Demanding without considering the limit of approving authority at time creates some conflict and tension. A residents group asking logistic support for a community event cannot exceed the capacity of the local authority. For example, demanding numbers of tents, tables, chairs, platforms, pa system, decorative plants and others that goes beyond the affordability of the local authority.

Demanding without valid reason and supported by fact and figures will also result in vain. Most of the time, community group will request something without substantiate it with the fact and figures. For example, they always complain about crime and secuirty without telling where and when. Similarly, complaints about traffic congestion, cleanliness, vandalisme are sometime only hear say. In order for demanding works, it is better to equip ownself with all the proof, figures and facts or else everything you demanded for will be generalised and diminished at the end of the discussion. It simply means if you have not done your homework, then please do not open your mouth.

Demanding is also about friendship and lobbying. It is commonly known that friends will be given priority over someone we do not know. We tend to treat our friend differently and if a choice has to be made with both parties are equally qualified, then obviously our friend will be chosen. In a situation where if lobbying has been done earlier, what you demanded for will normally can be granted. This is so because the involved parties will have better ideas of you are trying to demand prior to the decision making meeting. That's why community groups with high visibility in almost every functions of the local authority will normally get more than what others are getting. This is due to their presistence of demanding and lobbying in every occassion they attended.

Demanding is also hinted with your reputation. If you are known as authority or expert in a particular field, then what you demanded for the purpose of that field will normally be granted. If you are known as a do-able worker, then demanding fund for a project will be an easy task due to the track record of delivery that you have built up. People do not mind of meeting the demand of others that within their capacity provided that the deliveries are there to be seen. In other words, effective demanding is the outcome of continue ground works you laid over time. The more you establish yourself, the chances for getting what you demand is better, I presume.

Local Government Green Innovation

MBPJ has once again gone beyond the thinking box by introducing few measures on encouraging Go Green Movement. Started from the offering of assessment rate rebate to the environmental friendly house owners in PJ for year 2011, recent 2012 Budget announcement reinforced the green and low carbon efforts by offering residents buying hybrid car from dealers in PJ to enjoy a three months free parking in the city, further expand the rebate scheme to cover wider group of people, allocating RM100,000 to install LED and energy saving lighting at the back lane of housing scheme provided that owners agree to pay for the monthly electricity bill. The rebate scheme is not possible with the provision of current Local Government Act, 1976 (Act 171). Section 134, Act 171 does not provide exemption to owners who go green or even doing some other social responsibility programmes. Hence, implementing some good green gesture beyond the legal provision, to me is itself an achievement. What can a local government do in supporting the local economy and policy of Federal and State Government in going green? Many will look inward to see how can they perform within their juridic ion. For example, planting more trees, conducting recycling, energy saving within their compound as well as carrying out education and awareness campaign. Having said this, many will just wait and see how other level of government will offer to assist them in implementing the programmes.

By offering free parking to buyers of hybrid car from the shops in PJ, MBPJ has set milestone on sustainable development. On the environmental front, encouraging the use of hybrid car will reduce emission of carbon. On the social dimension, it is a way of changing people's lifestyle and awareness about green transportation. On the benefit of economy, it is a gesture of helping the automobiles shops in PJ and also to assist the buyers to save on fuel. Of course, offering free parking that within the purview of MBPJ's juridic ion and means is sensible from the economic and management point view.

To me, this is a form of innovation that local government can think of and of course welcome even though it has been carried out beyond what was provided for. To stakeholders and other level of governments, I believe these are innovations that they are all waiting for.

Population Challenge

The United Nations anticipated that Malaysia will have 33.4 million population by year 2020 and 39.6 million by year 2050. With the born of a Philipines girl on 31th october 2011, the World is reaching 7 billion population. Increasing of population is definitely creating many challenges to the World and Malaysia. It is anticipated that 7 challenges will embark on Malaysia. These include: -

1) The increase of family debt level. 26% of the credit card debtors are owing money due to the medical reason. This attributes to the worrying trend of health and medical causes
2) Discrimination of gender will continue. The equity between men and women cannot be striked a balance. This will create a lot of unrest between both the gender divide
3) Right of the children and youth must be paid attention to. Negligence towards this group will result in more social ills and unsustainability. The right on survival, protection, development and participation of this group must be given equal opportunity.
4) To ensure all babies will reach the minimum healthy level
5) To ensure a balance healthy living model. Obesity and incidence of sickness is increasing. This need to be prevented through healthy food and diet, exercise, working and living environment.
6) To guarantee the living quality of senior citizens are protected. As a mature society, it is imperative to provide barrier free or even universal design facilities and environment for all walk of society especially the elderly. A society cares for the old will be an inclusive society that is sustainable.
7) Preparing for the increase of urban population. The City Managers of the Local Government should ensure that living, studying, working and shopping in a city is a pleasant and enjoyable experience, either in short or long term. For that to happen, sufficient and good infrastructure, shelters, facilities, commuting, opportunities for jobs and business venture should be provided well ahead. It is a proactive strategic action planning that will make the competitiveness of the city higher.

For Petaling Jaya, all these challenges should be accounted for in the future planning. I believe it is a time for Tomorrow Answers Today.

Wrong Civic Message

Doing right does not neccessary mean right message has been sent out. Sometime for own convenience, we tend to do good for our own sake without thinking of the message behind our decision. At time, we do thing merely for the sake of fufilling the requirement. I found an interesting happening of required to do so, and for the sake of doing so without thinking about the consequences.

Nowasday, smoking in the open and public area is banned. Smokers are only allowed to smoke in the designated area. For example, an enclosed space is normally reserved in the airport compound for smokers. While it is for the health of non-smokers and protecting them from haphazard, it is in a way also discouraging the smokers by way of disconvenience them. Sometime, smokers might not want to smoke because of difficulty in locating the desingated area.

However, I found opposite arrangement in a cafe recently. The two-floor Cafe has designated the ground floor as smoking area and the first floor as non-smoking area. It means if you are not smoking, please make your way up stair, without the lift. To me, it is a way of telling people please bear with the smoke if you choose not to climb up the staircase. I was told as first floor is enclosed air-con area, it is better of designated it as non-smoking area. This is a case of conveniency to the management. I am of the opinion that although it is for pragmatic reason and for the sake of good management, the practice has, however sent out wrong message to the public. It is a message indirectly encouraging smokers to patronise the place and stay put with ease. Should we encourage this kind of practice? I personally think, we should not.